Camping spots near Austwell, Texas center around the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, where the coastal prairie meets the Gulf wetlands at just 15 feet above sea level. The area maintains moderate winter temperatures around 50-70°F, making it popular with winter visitors seeking wildlife viewing opportunities. Cell service varies significantly between inland and coastal camping areas, with most reliable connections found at established RV parks.
What to do
Birding tours: Year-round opportunities with exceptional winter viewing at Goose Island State Park Campground. "Wish I would have come better prepared to fish. Did see a Whooping Crane. Stayed on the bay side," notes one visitor. The park provides excellent access to view endangered whooping cranes from November through March.
Fishing: Multiple access points throughout the coastal areas. A reviewer at Goose Island mentioned it's a "Good fishing spot. Water at primitive sites, separate from RV area." The fishing pier provides convenient access for those without boats.
Beach activities: Shell collecting along the shoreline at Magnolia Beach. "This is a BEAUTIFUL beach! You camp right next to the water and can listen to the (gentle) waves all day and night. The beach is really level," writes one camper. The crushed shell composition makes it unique for beachcombing but requires footwear.
What campers like
Privacy in wooded camping areas: The wooded sections of Goose Island State Park receive consistent praise. "We really enjoyed staying in the wooded area of the park. Most spaces are very private because of the thick plant life," reports one visitor. Sites on outer loops accommodate larger vehicles better.
Free beach camping options: Magnolia Beach offers no-cost camping directly on the water. "Drive through the small village into an unassuming beachside residential neighborhood and out onto the beach itself, where there is room to park nearly 100 RV's," explains one camper. The 14-day stay limit helps manage overcrowding.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Natural areas support diverse wildlife. "Lots of birds, deer, and fishing. I see attraction of the beach front, but the wooded area is really nice with private sites, camp for grills, tables and trees for shade," notes a camper at Goose Island State Park.
What you should know
Beach composition: Magnolia Beach consists primarily of shells rather than sand. "The sand is mostly varying sizes of crushed shell so careful walking barefoot," warns one camper. Water shoes are recommended for swimming and wading.
Noise considerations: Air boat traffic affects waterfront campers. "The air boats run all day on the weekends and are loud. Watch out for low tree branches if you're staying in the wooded areas," notes one reviewer. Wooded sites offer better noise insulation than bayfront locations.
Seasonal crowds: Winter months bring increased occupancy with "Winter Texans" (seasonal visitors). Some parks like Circle W RV Ranch experience significant seasonal population shifts. Reservations become essential from December through March.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites strategically: For larger families, wooded camping areas provide more privacy. "If you're staying in the wooden area, stay on the outer loop if you're a big rig," advises a visitor to Goose Island State Park, noting the interior loops have tighter spaces and lower branches.
Water safety awareness: Texas Lakeside RV Resort offers controlled swimming environments. "Wintered here Jan, Feb, and Mar 2025. Spend a little more and get a water front site. Concrete pads, nice FHU stations. Large clubhouse. Two shower and laundry facilities," shares one visitor. The pool provides safer swimming than open Gulf waters.
Budget-friendly options: Free camping at Magnolia Beach allows longer stays for cost-conscious families. "A mix of folks RV, car, tent camping! Some folks are definitely here for a long time," notes one reviewer. Basic amenities include pavilions with tables and garbage collection.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions in wooded areas: Large rigs face challenges in some sections. "While there are some low branches- I was able to carefully maneuver into #125 with my tall fifth wheel. But it was close," warns one RVer at Goose Island State Park.
Utility considerations: Nuestro Ranchito RV Park and Dump Station provides essential services. "Friendly family owned rv park with rv dump station. Full hookups available. $25 per night or $450 per month," states a reviewer. The dump station remains accessible even for non-guests.
Connection reliability: Mobile internet varies significantly between locations. "I have T-Mobile, and the cell service at Goose Island was great. 5G was great. Also, the digital TV signal was excellent," reports one RV camper. Signal strength generally decreases in wooded camping areas.
